What kind of sadist puts bits of super-hot chili in with the peanuts? A Mexican one maybe, one laughing his sombrero off as he watches greedy food writers stuff handfuls of nuts into their mouths one minute then go a funny colour the next.

On a typical summer’s evening of intermittent rain, thunder and sunny spells, the Meat & Wine Co. at the Westfield shopping centre recently held their Australian Barbeque. The aim of the evening was to pair Australian wines with typically Australian barbeque fare. We enjoyed what we tasted and they are certainly worth trying.

The launch of the refurbished YO! Sushi restaurant on the second floor of the Whiteleys Shopping mall, Bayswater, was colourful to say the least. Front of house staff greeted us with drinks, having dressed for the occasion in kimonos, Geisha style. Go and have a look, and while there why not relax in the booth style seating and try some of the interesting dishes that are on offer.

There is another Masala Zone in town. The owners of Amaya, Chutney Mary, Veeraswamy and five other MZs have done their number six in Bayswater. Aptly, they have dropped this recession-proof concept on the site of a former bank – recession-proof because the chain remains great value at under a tenner for a thali..

What a great way to spend a hot summer’s evening! Standing on Sugar Quay on the Thames with a glass of chilled white wine in hand, a slight breeze off the river. The quay is home to a huge temporary, but solidly built marquee which was the venue for the launch of a new catering venture, Merchant Inns Out, which is overseen by the double Michelin starred Chef Rob Clayton.

It was suggested to us that we should visit Daylesford organic farmshop. We did, and a very interesting place it is too. The complex of shops have been developed by Lady Bamford, selling a range of organic foods, homewares, clothing and more.

How do you fancy being one of the first passengers to venture into outer space with Virgin Galactic? How about enjoying a pint of Guinness in a bar built deep under the ocean? Or what about an intimate recording session with one of the biggest recording artists in the world? The people at Guinness are set to celebrate 250 years by giving fans the opportunity to win prizes that are beyond even your wildest dreams.

I couldn’t choose which was more exciting – the revolutionary deep-fried rocket or Tony Hadley’s cameo appearance. The 1980s crooner – whose band Spandau Ballet are making a comeback – had popped up to support his friend, chef Aneke Spacie at La Cucina Caldesi where Spacie was showing us recipes from her new book, Twisted Favourites.

Taste of London was prevented from opening for the evening session last night for 90 minutes after a bomb threat was found on the premises.

Jom Makan means ‘Let’s go eat’ in Malaysian, which is the sort of invitation I like to receive. So much better than ‘Come into my office and shut the door,’ which in my experience has never ended particularly well.